Table of contents for February 2024 in Illume

In the ever-expanding tapestry of life, there are moments that open our eyes to the vast realms of knowledge awaiting exploration. Gene Fowler’s insightful article on fish leather sparked one such eye-opening experience for me. It unveiled a rich history of fish skin tanning, reaching back to ancient cultures worldwide. Learning of the tensile strength, I was surprised fish leather surpasses even the strength of the cherished cowhide. What captivated me most was the extraordinary diversity of fish contributing to this unique leather. While crafting boots in our Salina, Utah shop, where we are well-versed in exotic leather varieties, I never imagined favorites like tuna, tilapia, and trout could transform into equally beloved leathers. This revival in the use of fish leather, a byproduct of the food industry, aligns seamlessly…

Did you know? that you can find thousand of different colors and style leather trims at Leather, Suede, Skins, Inc. Every type of leather trim, from raw edge leather to folded trims, to straps, to stitched leathers in every size and design. Check out their website to give you some idea. http://www.leather.company Need it custom made? No problem. Pick any style, any color, and with a small minimum - you have what you want. They got you covered! Any questions, please call Faina at phone # 212.LEATHER, YES, That’s right-an easy phone # to remember phone.#212.LEATHER. Well, don’t delay, call them today!…

There I was, minding my own business when my cell rang early on a Thursday morning. Savannah from ShopTalk! Magazine was giving me a call; quickly, I reviewed in my mind if I had remembered to pay my advertising invoice this month. George: Hi Savannah! Savannah: Hey George, how would you like the opportunity to write an Industry Tips article for us? G: (now this was a complete surprise, and I was really excited about this opportunity) SURE! I would love the chance! S: One catch, I need this in five days. G: (not nearly as excited as I was a few moments earlier) Sure, I can do it. What would you like? S: Oh, I dunno, how ‘bout something you wish you had known early on in your career.…

In an email received right before press time, Palomino provided an update on her testing of traditional dyeing processes. “For the development of traditional dyeing processes,” she writes, “I have worked with traditional Japanese indigo dye masters, and I was able to experiment with traditional indigo katazome and Shibori dyeing techniques to apply them to fish leather. During my field trip to Japan’s Kanagawa prefecture in December 2019, I worked closely with indigo master Takayuki Ishii, an artisan who runs an indigo dyeing business using traditional techniques and materials. Takayuki is one of six artisans left in Japan cultivating indigo plants and producing sukumo to preserve the traditional method of indigo dyeing. He has passed on his knowledge to many artists and young students and strives to preserve the traditional…

WANTED  NEW SUBSCRIBERS WANTED. Now is the time to renew and see what you have been missing! Give us a call at (435) 565-6052, e-mail: savannah@burns1876.com or visit www.shoptalk-magazine.com. GREAT OPPORTUNITY. Burns 1876 is now hiring saddlemakers, bootmakers, silversmiths, hat makers, and leather craftsman/woman in their manufacturing facilities in Salina, Utah. In-house training provided. Please send your resume and a cover letter to careers@burns1876.com. FOR SALE NEW 441 STITCH MASTER CYLINDER ARM stitches sew ¼" to ¾" thick over 50 new embossing rolls. New Blue Grass Edge Slicker. Write: Miller’s Wholesale Harness, 176 Turkey Run Br., Hillsboro, KY 41049 FERDINAND BULL 900 B original stand, motor, speed reducer with all components in excellent condition including light, thread unwinders, and internal control components. $400.00. Contact Mike Hogue (812) 744-3694. COMPLETE BOOT…

JULIA BAILEY  Julia Bailey was raised in a small agricultural community in Central Utah where she has been deeply involved with her family raising alfalfa, cows and horses, but mostly sheep. A love of the land and her country is in her blood from both sides of her family. She is a college student majoring in AG Communications. When she’s not working on the farm or doing homework you can find her in the foothills on her horse or in the mountains. She enjoys music of all kinds, plays the piano and guitar and loves a new pair of boots. RICHARD MASSEY Richard Massey is a writer based in East Texas. GENE FOWLER A writer and performer based in Texas, Gene Fowler has written for Cowboys & Indians, Oxford American,…

THE HISTORY OF TOOLING LEATHER  Leather, one of the earliest materials known to mankind, has played a crucial role in the development of civilization. Among various leatherworking techniques, tooling leather stands out for its unique combination of artistry and practicality. Tooling leather is also referred to as leather carving or leather stamping and is the process where designs are created by cutting, stamping, punching or carving the leather’s surface. The art of tooling leather traces its roots back to ancient times. Early civilizations in Egypt, Rome and Greece used this craft, adorning their leather goods with intricate designs to reflect their culture and identity. Notably, the Celts were renowned for their elaborate leather tooling, showcasing their impressive artistic abilities. They demonstrated their leather tooling skills in making many items: Shield…

Italian leather industry gets Star of Merit  A ceremony was held on December 12 at the esteemed Malibran Theatre in Venice to award Tiziano Posenato, the Production Manager of the group’s furniture business unit, with the Stella al Merito del Lavoro award. The title of “Maestro del Lavoro” (Master of Labor) is awarded by decree by President Sergio Mattarella of the Italian Republic to an individual who has distinguished himself during more than 40 years of professional collaboration with the company for skill, industriousness, and impeccable moral conduct. Tiziano Posenato was still a teenager when he first started working. After completing his high school education at the age of 14, he started his lengthy career at Conceria Fratelli Mastrotto in 1978. Tiziano took over as head of the fulling and…